Foodie File

Melia and Lilly Spooner, owners of Alta Organic Coffee in Santa Cruz

Succession Success

March 10, 2026

Sisters Melia and Lilly Spooner carry forward their grandmother’s legacy at Alta Organic Coffee, the beloved Westside Santa Cruz café known for small-batch organic roasting and a no-wi-fi community vibe.

Crudo & Creative

Owner and chef Jun Park blends traditional sushi with modern creativity at Sushi Qu, a Watsonville favorite known for fresh fish and imaginative rolls.

Food and Brews

Elevated pub fare, 20 beers on tap and a dog-friendly patio make Laughing Monk Brewing a Scotts Valley standout. Meet the gastropub that’s redefining comfort food.

Juxtapose & Jolt

Moss Landing’s Power Plant amps up its artisan menu with caprese avocado toasts, rock cod tacos and smash burgers—all served in a lush, light-filled space.

Mangia Market

New York–Italian style sandwiches, fresh handmade pasta, and curated Italian specialties make La Bottega del Lago a welcome new addition to Live Oak.

Pho-nomenal

In Watsonville, a deeply loved neighborhood spot is doing everything right, from soul-warming bowls of pho to scratch-made boba drinks to keep regulars coming back again and again.

Hot New Spot

Blue Lava Café brings French-inspired crepes, classic eggs Benedict, and locally sourced breakfasts to Capitola, taking over the former Sweet Peas space with a fresh, ocean-themed vibe.

Arrive and Thrive

Tucked into the historic Brookdale Lodge, Brookdale Diner channels classic midcentury Americana with a menu built on comfort and nostalgia.

Cheesy Check

At d20 Pizza, Detroit-style pies meet board games and gastropub flair, creating a welcoming third space for Santa Cruz diners.

Downtown Deli-ciousness

Zoccoli’s has been a downtown Santa Cruz institution since 1948, serving old-school Italian deli classics, handmade soups and sandwiches.

Family Affair

Imura in Watsonville blends Japanese and Korean cuisines with a deeply personal approach, from fresh sushi and bento boxes to bibimbap and dumpling soup.

Sunflower Soul

The mobile pop-up Girasol Pizza is bringing authentic Chicago tavern-style thin-crust pizzas and Italian beef sandwiches to Santa Cruz.

Pastry Prowess

Spontaneous Confections features unique French-leaning pastries that combine worldly inspiration with Chef Justin’s own creative instincts and talents.